Australians urged to donate to LGBTIQ groups on ‘giveOUTday’ today

Australians are being encouraged to make a donation to a local LGBTIQ group through today’s “giveOUTday” initiative launched by giving circle The Channel.

Inspired by the success of the US project of the same name, the project aims to build the capacity for LGBTIQ+ communities to resource their own social change, increase awareness of health and social issues faced by LGBTIQ+ Australians, build visibility and showcase queer culture.

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According to a report by the Channel into the funding of LGBTIQ+ causes in Australia, an estimated $80 billion in grants is given away to Australian community groups each year, but only around 1% of that money went to LGBTIQ+ projects.

And only 0.4% of the philanthropic funding shown on Philanthropy Australia’s Foundation Maps went to LGBTIQ+-specific projects, and of that amount 93% was dedicated to the marriage equality campaign.

The Channel want to increase this number with the launch of the annual giveOUTday event today, which has raised around $40,000 over the course of the day for groups across the country.

The Queensland organisations registered to take part in giveOUTday include the Queensland AIDS Council, Rainbow Families Qld Playgroups, and social group Wendybird.

Other organisations seeking funding are the national group Equality Australia, Pride in Sport, and suicide prevention service Lifeline.